Product Details

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU TAKE ELDEPRYL TABLETS

Do not take Eldepryl – if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to selegiline hydrochloride or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6) – if you are taking any antidepressants (see Other medicines and Eldepryl). Antidepressants should be stopped a number of weeks before taking Eldepryl, speak to your doctor for further advice – if you are taking pethidine or any other opioid painkillers such as codeine, tramadol or buprenorphine – if you are taking any monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors e.g. the antibiotic linezolid – if you are taking any medicines for migraine e.g. sumatriptan, naratriptan, zolmitriptan and rizatriptan – if you are taking any sympathomimetic medicines e.g. medicines used in the treatment of asthma or to relieve nasal congestion – if you suffer from stomach or duodenal ulcers – if you suffer from a movement or muscle disorder not connected to Parkinson’s disease. Taking Eldepryl with Levodopa Do not take Eldepryl together with Levodopa if you suffer from any of the following conditions: – major heart or blood vessel problems (cardiovascular disease) – chest pain (angina) – high blood pressure (arterial hypertension) – an erratic or fast heartbeat (e.g. tachycardia or arrhythmias) – an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroid disease) – an eye condition called narrow angle glaucoma – a tumour of your adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma) or prostate (prostatic adenoma) – major mental health problems (e.g. schizophrenia or advanced dementia). Warnings and Precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Eldepryl if any of the following applies to you: – if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), the sensation of feeling your heartbeat (palpitations) or an abnormal or erratic heartbeat (arrhythmia) – if you have kidney or liver problems – if you are being treated for any mental illness, anxiety or sleep problems – if you have a history of stomach ulcers – if you are already taking a medicine called Levodopa as it can cause agitation and uncontrollable movements. Your doctor may need to monitor you closely and alter your dose – if you are going to have surgery as Eldepryl may interfere with some of the medicines used as part of a general anaesthetic – if you have a history of any unusual urges and/or behaviours (such as excessive gambling or excessive sexual behaviour). See section 4. The use of Buprenorphine together with Eldepryl can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition (see “Other medicines and Eldepryl”). Children Eldepryl should not be given to children. Other medicines and Eldepryl Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. In particular it is important that you tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following: – amantadine, dopamine or levodopa (used to treat Parkinson’s disease) – any type of antidepressant e.g. citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine, amitriptyline and protriptyline cannot be taken with Eldepryl – pethidine or any other opioid painkillers such as codeine, tramadol or buprenorphine cannot be taken with Eldepryl. These medicines may interact with Eldepryl and you may experience symptoms such as involuntary, rhythmic contractions of muscles, including the muscles that control movement of the eye, agitation, hallucinations, coma, excessive sweating, tremor, exaggeration of reflexes, increased muscle tension, body temperature above 38°C. Contact your doctor when experiencing such symptoms. – the antibiotic linezolid cannot be taken with Eldepryl – if you are taking any sympathomimetic medicines e.g. medicines used in the treatment of asthma or to relieve nasal congestion – these medicines cannot be taken with Eldepryl – any medicines for migraine e.g. sumatriptan, naratriptan, zolmitriptan and rizatriptan cannot be taken with Eldepryl – medicines for high or low blood pressure – medicines for mood or mental illness – medicines to treat anxiety, sleep problems or to relax the gut muscles (medicines that act on the central nervous system) – medicines used as part of an anaesthetic – medicines to treat heart problems (e.g. digitalis) as you may need more frequent check-ups with your doctor – medicines to thin the blood (anticoagulants) as you may need more frequent check-ups with your doctor – HRT (hormone replacement therapy) – altretamine (used to treat ovarian cancer) – oral contraceptives (The ‘pill’, other forms of contraception should be discussed with your doctor). Eldepryl needs a period of time to be completely removed from the body before starting certain other medicines. Please talk to your doctor for advice if you are thinking about starting other medication. Eldepryl with food, drink and alcohol You may take Eldepryl with food and drink. Alcohol should be avoided whilst you are taking Eldepryl. Your doctor may recommend that you avoid certain foods containing tyramine such as mature cheese, broad beans, Bovril, yeast extracts or fermented soya bean products. Pregnancy and breast-feeding – You should not take Eldepryl if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or if you think you may be pregnant. – You should not take Eldepryl if you are breast-feeding. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Driving and using machines Eldepryl may make you feel dizzy, drowsy or slow your reactions, therefore your ability to drive or operate machinery may be affected. If you experience these side effects then do not drive, use tools or operate machinery. The medicine can affect your ability to drive as it may make you sleepy or dizzy. • Do not drive while taking this medicine until you know how it affects you. • It is an offence to drive if this medicine affects your ability to drive. • However, you would not be committing an offence if: o The medicine has been prescribed to treat a medical or dental problem and o You have taken it according to the instructions given by the prescriber or in the information provided with the medicine and o It was not affecting your ability to drive safely Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure whether it is safe for you to drive while taking this medicine.